Amidst China's V-Day military parade that marched past the Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing on Wednesday, the early-warning detection formation showcased the nation's cutting-edge domestically developed radar systems and highlighted China's resolute commitment and formidable capacity to safeguard its sovereign airspace against all potential threats.
The parade was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Composed of personnel from radar stations across the country, the formation featured 16 advanced mobile radars of four different types. All the systems are capable of detecting stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles, serving as the nation's vigilant eyes in the sky.
"The vehicle I operate is equipped with a new-type radar. The exterior, resembling dragon scales, is visually striking. Beyond its good looks, it can automatically fold and unfold, enabling rapid long-distance deployment and flexible mobility. It can accurately perceive environmental conditions and quickly adapt to the battlefield, possessing strong independent operational capabilities," said Wang Xiaolong, a member of the early-warning detection formation.
Two new types of equipment made their debut at this parade. They were developed in response to evolving aerial threats and practical operational needs. Their appearance reflects new achievements and progress in the development of China's early warning radar technology.
"Our radar system is designed to adapt to various terrains. With its integrated vehicle design, it meets mobility requirements for highway and off-road travel, railway transportation, and airlift deployment," said Feng Guomin, another member of the early-warning detection formation.
The Air Force Radar Troops strategically deploys a range of advanced early warning systems, including the four types showcased in the parade, to build a comprehensive, multi-dimensional early warning system covering "high, medium, and low" altitudes and "long, medium, and short" ranges. This system provides continuous and precise aerial situational awareness, creating an impenetrable net over China's airspace.
Using electromagnetic waves as their weapon, radar troops are entrusted with the critical duties of aerial reconnaissance, air defense and missile early warning, and supporting aviation operations and training. They keep a close watch on screens, detecting subtle signals to monitor airspace and protect the skies across all domains and at all times.
"For us who maintain combat readiness for 24 hours a day all year round, routine operations are equivalent to wartime operations, and every response is a combat mission. We feel it a great honor to represent the radar troops in this parade. We will defend the territorial skies of our motherland with our exceptional military expertise and advanced equipment, honoring the martyrs of the War of Resistance and safeguarding lasting peace," said Xiao Fei, another member of the early-warning detection formation.
The legacy of the victory in the War of Resistance laid the foundation for the growth of the radar troops.
In 1950, the first radar battalion was established, marking the official entry of radar troops into the People's Liberation Army.
Generations of soldiers, keeping in their minds the martyrs' aspirations for national security and stability, have worked tirelessly to advance capabilities -- from visual monitoring with telescopes to today's deep-space electromagnetic detection, and from relying on captured or imitated equipment to independently developing cutting-edge systems. China's air defense early warning capability has achieved significant leaps.
"Facing transformations in technology, warfare, and potential adversaries, we remain focused on critical constraints affecting combat readiness enhancement. We constantly elevate the intensity of realistic training, continuously refine information-based warfare capabilities, and steadily advance toward an integrated early warning model for air situation. An integrated early warning network, combining airborne and ground-based systems, fixed and mobile assets, conventional and new-quality resources, now extends across all domains, significantly strengthening our strategic early warning system," said Zhao Fushuang, also a member of the early-warning detection formation.
China's V-Day parade showcases advanced radar systems
